Latest news with #RathYatrafestival
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Drivers' strike paralyses public transport services, affects essential supplies in Odisha
BHUBANESWAR: Transport services, particularly public transport and supply of fuel and LPG, were severely affected as thousands of commercial vehicle drivers launched an indefinite strike to press for fulfilment of their various demands. Under the banner of Odisha Drivers' Mahasangha, drivers of buses, trucks, commercial vans and taxis resorted to the 'quit steering wheel' protest, demanding various welfare and social security measures from the government. Public transport was the worst hit as private buses stayed off road and commuters across the state had to suffer immense problems. Devotees and visitors, who went to Puri to attend the Niladri Bije, the last ritual of Rath Yatra festival, had a harrowing time as they could not board buses or other public transport to return home. This resulted in a heavy rush at the railway station in Puri. Sources said on an average, at least 200 buses operate from Puri to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack daily. The number of buses operating from Puri to the Twin City goes up to 300 during festive seasons. With the number reducing to a trickle as only government buses operated, the people faced severe inconveniences. Meanwhile, supply of petrol, diesel and LPG to different parts of the state is set to be badly affected from Wednesday if the strike continues. 'Oil tanker drivers joined the protests on Tuesday. But, they have been asked to report to duty on Wednesday so that petrol and diesel can be loaded from four depots in Jatni, Paradip, Balasore and Jharsuguda, and delivered at the fuel stations across the state. If they continue, there will be an oil crisis at hand,' said general secretary of Utkal Petroleum Dealers' Association, Sanjay Lath. Though the supply of essential commodities like vegetables was not affected on the day, traders' bodies are apprehensive that the strike could lead to shortage if the cease work carries on. 'Vegetables were delivered in Bhubaneswar markets as usual on Tuesday. However, we are anticipating the strike will possibly affect the supply a day later,' said Rajdhani Pariba (vegetables) Byabasayee Mahasangha president, Kabi Swain. 'Many essential commodities are imported from other states, and the supply remained unaffected on the day. However, serious difficulties can emerge while transporting goods from wholesalers to retailers if the strike is not called off,' said the general secretary of Odisha Byabasayee Mahasangha, Sudhakar Panda.
The Print
06-07-2025
- The Print
Rath Yatra: One dead, 70 injured in various incidents on ‘Suna Besha' ritual day in Puri
Accompanied by his wife, Behera was witnessing the 'Suna Besha' ritual from the premises of Radhaballav Mutt, police said. The 52-year-old man, identified as Babaji Behera of Jagatsinghpur district, fell and suffered head injuries after he was disturbed by a monkey near the 'Singha Dwar' (Lion's Gate) of the 12th-century Jagannath temple. Puri, Jul 6 (PTI) One devotee died, and more than 70 others were injured and hospitalised in various incidents in Puri where lakhs of people gathered to witness the 'Suna Besha' (golden attire) ritual of the Rath Yatra festival on Sunday, officials said. The devotee was first taken to the district headquarters hospital in Puria. After his condition deteriorated, he was being shifted to SCB Medical College in Cuttack, but he died on the way, officials said. The doctors at the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar declared Behera brought dead. About 70 other people were also injured in multiple mishaps in Puri and were admitted to the district headquarters hospital, doctors said. Around 40 of them have bone fractures. The condition of a woman, who suffered serious injuries, is stated to be serious. A large number of people were also given first aid treatments at the outpatient department of the hospital and released, a senior doctor said. The incidents occurred a week after three devotees were killed and 50 others injured in a stampede outside the Gundicha temple in Puri. Meanwhile, a report from Subarnapur district said that at least six people, including three boys, were injured after they came under the wheels of the chariot when they were pulling it during the 'Bahuda Yatra' (return car festival) in Binika town. The condition of one of the injured boys was stated to be critical, and he was shifted to a hospital at Burla, an official said. PTI COR AAM NN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Bahuda Yatra: Puri immerses in devotion as deities return to Jagannath Temple amid festive fervour
Puri (Odisha) [India], July 5 (ANI): The coastal town of Puri is immersed in devotion and cultural splendour as the grand 'Bahuda Yatra' unfolds as the ceremonial chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra leave the Shri Gundicha Temple and return to the Shri Jagannath Temple. The festival completes its last act with Bahuda Yatra, the 'return journey,' deeply spiritual and a cultural spectacle with people witnessing the return of Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha chariot, Lord Balabhadra's Taladhwaja chariot, and Goddess Subhadra's Darpadalan chariot. Though the pulling of chariots was slated to start at 4 pm, it began at about 2.45 pm much ahead of the schedule amid chants of 'Jai Jagannath', 'Haribol' and beating of cymbals. Earlier, the sibling deities - Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, were carried to 'Taladwaj', 'Darpadalan' and 'Nandighosh' chariots respectively in a ritual called 'Pahandi'. The pahandi of the trinity began with Chakraraj Sudarshan, followed by Lord Balabhdra, Devi Subhadra and finally Lord Jagannath. Though the 'Pahandi' ritual was earlier scheduled to begin at 12 noon, it started at 10 am, much earlier. The ceremonial procession took around two hours following which the deities were seated on the chariots. The return of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to their main temple is seen as a return to cosmic order, where they resume their divine roles and join Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Jagannath's consort. This marks the culmination of the annual Rath Yatra festival, drawing lakhs of devotees to the sacred city. The streets of Puri buzz with vibrant performances as artists and devotees celebrate the occasion. Amid the beating of gongs, and blowing of conches and cymbals, Pahandi rituals were performed by the Sevayats. While Lord Balabhadra was carried to the chariot on a line called 'Dhadi Pahandi', Goddess Subhadra, the sister of Lord Jagannath, was brought to her 'Darpadalan' chariot in a special procession called 'Sunya Pahandi' (the Goddess looking at the sky while being carried to the chariot) by servitors. Before the Pahandi, a number of customary rituals like 'Mangla Arati' and 'Mailam' were held before the presiding deities came out from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual or sweeping of the floor of the chariots with a golden broom was performed by Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri, on all the chariots. The ritual started at 1.35 pm. The Gajapati Maharaja began Chhera Pahanra on Taladwaj chariot of Lord Balabhadra followed by Lord Jagannath's chariot and lastly on Devi Subhadra's chariot. Lakhs of devotees have thronged the pilgrim town of Puri to witness the annual Bahuda Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. Earlier in the day, Advisor to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, former Odisha DGP Prakash Mishra said, 'All the rituals of Mahaprabhu are taking place ahead of their scheduled time. With his blessings, everyone is working with great enthusiasm. We hope that the Yatra will conclude at the right time today...I extend heartfelt greetings and gratitude to our servitors for doing everything on time...' Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling also spoke to ANI and said, 'The weather is so good today. Preparatory work is also good. 'Nitikanti' is taking place ahead of the scheduled time. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Bahuda Yatra will go on smoothly. We pray to Lord Jagannath that this is His Yatra and the coming together of devotees and God should happen smoothly, and that the Yatra takes place well...' Security arrangements were significantly strengthened outside the Shri Gundicha Temple, also known as the Mausi Maa Temple. Police presence was enhanced, particularly outside the Shri Gundicha Temple, where nearly 10,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of the massive gathering of devotees. Speaking to ANI, Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra said extensive security measures are in place for the smooth conduct of the return chariot said, 'More than 10000 police personnel have been deployed... We have around eight companies of the RAF.' Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Khurania on Saturday also expressed confidence in the peaceful conduct of the grand festival amid heightened security deployment. Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik paid tribute to the Bahuda Yatra with a striking sand sculpture on Puri beach on July 4. Girijashankar Sarangi, a devotee, shared the significance of the occasion and said, 'Mahaprabhu was born here at Gundicha Temple... Today, after nine days of celebrations, Mahaprabhu will be heading home. On the way, Mahaprabhu's chariot will stop at the Mausi Maa temple, where he will be offered poda pitha, and it will then be distributed as prasad among devotees. The procession will then proceed to the Shri Jagannath Temple.' (ANI)
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- India Gazette
Bahuda Yatra: DGP ensures 205 platoons, CCTV surveillance for peaceful Bahuda Yatra in Puri
Puri (Odisha) [India], July 5 [ANI]: As the coastal town of Puri hosts the Bahuda Yatra, marking the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Jagannath Temple from the Shri Gundicha Temple, Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Khurania on Saturday expressed confidence in the peaceful conduct of the grand festival amid heightened security deployment. 'There is a lot of enthusiasm among the devotees who have gathered in large numbers. The administration has made an elaborate arrangement. About 205 platoons of police have been deployed, and senior officers are also present to monitor the entire arrangement. The entire town of Puri is under CCTV surveillance, and everything is being monitored from the control room.' Khurania told ANI. Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened outside the Shri Gundicha Temple, also known as the Mausi Maa Temple. Police presence has been enhanced, particularly outside the Shri Gundicha Temple, where nearly 10,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of the massive gathering of devotees. Speaking to ANI, Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra said extensive security measures are in place for the smooth conduct of the return chariot festival. He said, 'More than 10000 police personnel have been deployed... We have around eight companies of the RAF.' 'We have made elaborate police arrangements. Today, we are also expecting huge crowds of devotees who will join in this festival. Ensuring the safety of all devotees is our priority,' he added. Mishra highlighted that the annual festival is celebrated through the coordinated efforts of multiple stakeholders. 'This festival is celebrated with the coordination of many stakeholders. We are closely in touch with all the Sevayats, temple authorities, and the district administration,' he added. The coastal town of Puri is alive with devotion and cultural fervour as preparations peak for the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Jagannath Temple from Shri Gundicha Temple on Saturday. This marks the culmination of the annual Rath Yatra festival, drawing lakhs of devotees to the sacred city. The streets of Puri buzz with vibrant performances as artists and devotees celebrate the occasion. (ANI)
NDTV
29-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Break Their Legs": Odisha Police Officer's Instruction At Protest Goes Viral. "Out Of Context," He Says
Bhubaneswar: A senior police officer's very specific instruction to police personnel guarding a barbed wire barricade outside Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's house during a protest by Congress party workers has gone viral on social media. The Congress workers came to protest against what they called crowd mismanagement and negligence after three people were killed and 50 were injured in a stampede in Puri on Sunday. The incident happened near Puri's Shree Gundicha temple during a ceremony linked to the ongoing Rath Yatra festival. A large police force was posted outside the chief minister's house in anticipation of the protest by the Congress workers. One of the officers who oversaw the deployment was Bhubaneswar Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Narasingha Bhol. In the video that went viral, Mr Bhol walked to the last barricade among a row of barricades and gave instructions to police personnel standing there. His index finger pointing towards a circular barbed wire that went in a loop around the barricade, the ACP said, "If anybody reaches here, break their leg. Don't catch them, just break their legs. We are standing there [some distance away] to catch them. Whoever breaks a leg, come to me and take a reward." "Yes, sir, yes, sir," the policemen behind the last barricade responded to the instruction given by the Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. After the video went viral on social media, Mr Bhol told NDTV on phone that his comment was taken out of context. "There is a place, time and context in everything. Where was it happening, when was it happening... If you see the video, I told the personnel that 'we are there to arrest them'," Mr Bhol said, referring to a spot some distance away from the barricade. "Before reaching the spot where I was standing, there were two barricades. The order was to detain unruly protesters at the first barricade itself. However, if somebody breached the two barricades and went beyond them, then that person has already broken the law. He is part of an unlawful assembly." The police officer added, "We are free to apply maximum force to stop unlawful assembly." The Odisha government has launched an administrative investigation into the Puri stampede. State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said Development Commissioner Anu Garg will submit a report to the chief minister within 30 days. "The state government will take stern action against those responsible for the tragic incident," the law minister said. Puri's Chief District Medical Officer Kishore Satapathy told news agency PTI that all injured people were discharged from a government health facility by 8 pm on Sunday.
